Siren Song 2000

Bo Bartlett’s Siren Song is an oil painting that evokes classical mythology with contemporary brushwork. The paint is applied in a traditional manner, layering translucent glazes to model form and capture light, a technique that has been refined over centuries. This emphasis on technique ties Siren Song to the history of academic painting and the traditional master-apprentice system, reflecting a significant commitment of time and labor. But there is a tension here, as the classical subject matter meets the modern world. The siren, perched on a rock, looks out at the vast expanse of the sea, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The use of oil paint, a material that has been used for centuries to create images of beauty and power, invites us to consider the enduring appeal of classical mythology. The very act of painting, with its emphasis on skilled craftsmanship and artistic vision, becomes a way of engaging with the past while also creating something new.